The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s own, or real life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life…what one calls one’s real life is a phantom of one’s own imagination.
— C. S. Lewis
And those “interruptions” come in every shape and size. A most poignant one for me this week was the quiet departure of a small but treasured companion, mottled gray with tiger markings. She was 21. How intimacy that profound can happen completely outside of language is a mystery to me, but at some point you find yourself in a transcendent, species-less oneness. She was my cotraveler to that place, my four legged soul mate.
Beautiful photo. So sorry for your loss. I still miss my dog, who died in June 1996…
I’m so sorry for your loss. She looks beautiful in the photo and it sounds like she lived a long, love-filled life. I know exactly what you mean when you talk of the profound intimacy beyond language and the “transcendent, species-less oneness.” I hope your memory of that bond will serve as a balm for your grief.
Recently discovered your blog and I appreciate the integrity and quiet intelligence you bring to your posts.
Pets are wonderful companions and the grief we feel when they’re gone is no different than how we feel about people we’ve loved and lost. Maybe a future post could explore this more deeply, once the rawness wears off, of course.
She lives in your heart, and always will.
Hugs, Deb.
Deborah, I’m so sorry to hear about your cat’s passing. She lived a very long life and I’m sure she’s sorely missed. Your description of her was just beautiful and very touching. My sympathy to you. XOX Nancy
Thank you to all of you for your words of wisdom and comfort. It’s a lonely walk through life without her.
I’m so sorry.
Thanks VV, I know you know about how deep this goes.